18 Signs You’re a Frequent Business Traveler

Frequent business travelers—road warriors—are a different breed. They’re skilled at navigating complex logistics. They’re resilient in the face of adversity, such as a cancelled flight. But there are things that set them apart from the rest. Here are a few signs you’re a frequent business traveler:

You haven’t bought soap in a while.

Your favorite hotel chain has shampoo, lotion and lots of other goodies that you love, so why not bring them home? Soap by Starwood will work just fine indeed.

You call your corporate travel agent more than your mother.

There are still some things that a good corporate travel agent can do for you. And your mom knows you love her anyway.

You’re a government VIP.

Your most valuable possessions are your memberships in TSA Precheck, CLEAR and Global Entry. You’re baffled how anyone can travel without them.

You could give the airline safety demo without consulting the script.

And not just “the nearest exit may be behind you” part.

You keep score.

For you, keeping score is not about your favorite sports teams, it’s the current balance of your frequent flyer and hotel reward accounts.

Your office is seat 15A and your home a queen bed on a high floor away from the elevator.

You spent more days in a hotel last year than you spent at the address on your driver’s license.

Your friends think you’re their personal travel agent.

Everyone you know comes to you for travel advice. You know how to get from London’s Heathrow into the center of the city and you know how to score an upgrade at any hotel chain.

Your bag is always packed.

You also have two sets of everything: one in your travel bag and one at home.

You haven’t paid for a vacation out of pocket for years.

Thank you rewards points!

You refer to every city by its airport code.

It’s just easier, right?

Currency exchangers have nothing on you.

Your collection of currencies from around the world rivals American Express, and you have at least two different kinds in your wallet at any time. It’s important to keep those Euros around “just in case” you need to fly out on a moment’s notice.

You can recite your passport number faster than your phone number.

Fact.

Zagat’s consults you.

You can always answer the question, “What’s the best restaurant in ____.” You’re an expert on pizza in Naples and foie gras in France. You know the off-beat stuff from Mexican food in Philadelphia to authentic Irish fish and chips in Bratislava.

You have a separate smartphone for travel because you have so many travel apps.

You also need a phone that is unlocked to access foreign networks.

Your neighbors are surprised to see you.

Yes, you’re gone that much.

Happiness is no travel delays.

Every time you have a flawless trip without delays or hassles, you get that little feeling of contentment.

You’re a travel and expense ninja.

As a frequent business traveler, you rely on TripIt Pro alerts to keep you in the know and you submit expense reports through Concur in your sleep.

You just feel comfortable out on the road.

About the Author

Laura Longwell is a former marketing executive who now travels the world as a journalist and photographer. As co-founder of www.TravelAddicts.net, she focuses on the luxury travel segment and how travelers can maximize their travel experience with a minimal number of vacation days.